Cover-U umbrella/canopy backpack
A backpack assembly modified and constructed with a canopy type apparatus having upper and lower frame members. The canopy portion constructed and functioning primarily as canopies commonly used on baby strollers. The canopy consisting of a flange member and a tubular shaped canopy frame member, adjoined to the lower frame which is u-shaped in nature by a connection device that superimposes both frames and secured within by rivets. The flange member having apertures that allow pivotal movement between desired positions. The lower frame being telescopic in nature has notches allowing the canopy to be adjusted upward and downward. Adjustable shoulder and waist straps secure the assembly on the users body. A second set of straps attached to the shoulder straps are pulled forward in a downward motion to quickly and easily raising the canopy to its deployed position. A poncho being connected integrated within a designated storage compartment also quickly releases by using the same release method with another set of straps to provide maximum protection during inclement weather conditions. A detachable pillow being structurally positioned for lumbar support if needed. The final portion consists of a carrying case fabricated to provide preservation, safe transporting and/or storage of the assembly when not in use.
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This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/403,678 filed May 5, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to backpacks and backpack accessories, more particularly to backpacks modified and constructed to enable the combined use of a backpack and an umbrella or canopy apparatus, wherein the combined apparatus is utilized hands free in its preferred raised or collapsed position. A backpack which provides these uses along with common accessories such as; a plurality of storage compartments with various closing mechanisms, the option of forward and rearward fabric surfaces fabricated with water resistant material, a pair of shoulder straps and a waist strap associated with said forward surface along with other accessories that are not common such as; a unshaped frame member secured within the rear outer walls of the backpack vertically and horizontally which provide structural rigidity to the entire assembly and serves as a base for the umbrella or canopy apparatus, a poncho which forms an integated unit being connected to and stowed within a specific storage compartment on the bag portion of the backpack. A detachable, cushioned pillow also an accessory of the assembly structurally positioned to provide lumbar support for the carrier of the backpack and when detached can be used for sitting on hard services or a head rest while napping or sleeping etc. A final accessory being a carrying case that protects and preserves the entire assembly when being transported or stored, also fabricated optionally with a water resistant material wherein the fabrication and construction thereof enables the carrying case to convert in use to a mat for floor exercises, resting, napping etc. A complete assembly of the aforementioned having versatility in use by both genders of all ages for many different activities.
2. Description of Prior Art
The use of backpacks has been well established as an integral part of the daily lives of millions of people around the globe. Major contributing factors being the conveniences associated with the use of backpacks as well as the growing number of activities presently existing a person can engage in for which the use of a backpack enhances; rather it be recreational, educational wise, athletically, employment etc. This growing trend coupled with many technological advances has created a demand for backpacks that are constructed with durability, having versatility and still yet being suitable for use in multiple activities. The following prior art references among many other substantiates this fact.
U.S. Pat. No. 6/217,113 issued to Knatz on Apr. 17, 2001 depicts a carry all backpack modified with a seat conversion.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,401 issued to Severon et. Al, on Apr. 10, 1990 depicts a child carrier usable as a backpack, stroller and recliner.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,152 issued to Trevino issued on Apr. 25, 1995 depicts a backpack assembly with audio components.
U.S. Patent App. No. 20050258294 filed on Sep. 23, 2003 by Dickson, Craig C. suggests a backpack modified within to store the components of a tent
U.S. Pat. No. 4,972,981 issued to Gex on Nov. 27, 1990 depicts a folding chair backpack.
These prior art references have mainly been fabricated to suit certain niche markets, and although not directly related to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, this referenced art does ascertain the need for modified multi-purpose backpacks. Now referring to prior art references that are more closely related to the present invention, such as;
U.S. Patent App. No. 200400331827 filed on Nov. 8, 2002 by Haber, Robert suggests a backpack for carrying an umbrella and/or a child hands free.
U.S. Patent App. No. 20050050614 filed on Jan. 17, 2004 by Leung, Kok Hung which suggests a backpack type satchel with a rain hat and connected cape.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,385 issued to Ward et, on Apr. 25, 2000 which depicts a backpack with umbrella support and.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,722 issued to Christie, Joseph L. on Oct. 30, 2001 which depicts an umbrella mountable on a backpack.
These prior art references suggest being versatile in use in different ways. However, they are either not suitable for use with adults and children alike, the operation thereof tends to be awkward for use, they are suitable for certain niche markets only, and they either fail to provide protection from the elements or the protection provided is inadequate in use when serious inclement weather.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn view of the problems and disadvantages presented in prior art, it is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a backpack and canopy combination wherein the canopy consisting of a fabric that can optionally be constructed of a water resistant material in which the canopy frame member and flange member function unitarily rotating pivotally between its preferred raised or collapsed positions. A combination that provides all of the mentioned advantages yet remaining fairly lightweight.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a backpack and canopy combination the wherein the canopy protects the carrier from harmful sunlight along with other inclement weather conditions and further provides and further provides a poncho connected within a storage compartment on the bag portion forming an integrated unit of the backpack assembly. The poncho being released when the carrier pulls upon a pair of straps attached to the storage compartment wherein the poncho is stowed, and said straps extended to the front portion of the assembly where attached to the shoulder straps. The poncho when worn by the carrier of the backpack covers and protects the front an rear bag portions along with the carrier of the backpack thus providing increased protection.
It is another object of this invention to provide a backpack and canopy combination that is quickly and conveniently deployed enabled by the use of straps that are symmetrically affixed to the lower extremity of the canopy frame. The straps extend to the front of the carrier where loosely secured through loops that are attached to the backpack shoulder straps, thus allowing the carrier to deploy the canopy by pulling downward on both straps simultaneously then securing the canopy in this position by means of clasp attached to end of these straps and the receiver for the clasp which are attached to the lower extremities of the shoulder straps. The canopy is easily retracted by releasing the clasp and pushing backward on the canopy frame member.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a combination of the such wherein the canopy apparatus is supported by a separate frame secured within the backpack portion of the assembly. The backpack frame member also tubular has a U-shaped configuration which is secured within the outer back walls of the backpack where the horizontal tube member provides the base which merges into the vertical tube members that are parallel and the ends extend upward slightly above the surface of the backpack. The same vertically positioned frame members constructed to The backpack frame also provides structural rigidity to the backpack. The upper ends of the backpack frame are adjacently positioned beside the bottom ends of the canopy apparatus frame member symmetrically where the opposing sides are superimposed within a connecting device and secured there within by rivets.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combination of the such having versatility in use yet durable and suitable for use in multiple activities. Importantly a backpack and canopy combination wherein the construction thereof provides all of the aforementioned advantages and capable to be used by individuals that are as young as elementary aged school students as well as adults of all ages.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a backpack and canopy combination fabricated to include an attached pillow cushion structurally positioned to provide lumbar support to the carrier when transporting items of interest that are strenuous. The attached pillow cushion being connected by a clasp type fastening device that is attached to the backpack which allows easy detachment wherein the carrier can use the pillow cushion to sit upon, to rest the head while in an upright position or when lying down. The pillow cushion also having a fabric covering which allows the user to remove the covering and replace it or remove it and launder it
A final object of the present invention is to provide a backpack and canopy combination is to provide a carrying case fabricated and constructed to provide protection and preservation of the entire assembly. A carrying case that allows the assembly to be stored and/or transported safely when not in use. To also provide a carrying case also fabricated and constructed with the ability to be converted into a mat A mat that can used in combination with the detachable pillow while sleeping both indoors and outdoors, while relaxing, while exercising, camping or while engaging in several other activities. Thus providing with the present inventors complete assembly a backpack and canopy combination; a backpack that is durable, versatile in use, equipped for use in multiple activities, a completed assembly that is fairly lightweight, quickly raised or collapsed providing immediate protection from inclement weather, eliminating the problems common with prior art backpack and canopy combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In reference to
The front portion of the assembly further consists of canopy frame strap members (70R) and (70L). These straps are affixed to opposing sides lower extremities of canopy frame directly above the connection devices extending across the shoulders and thus attached to the front middle portion of the shoulder strap members (85R) and (85L). The canopy frame straps (70R) and (70L) enable the canopy to be deployed to its raised position by pulling in a downward forward motion on the strap members which is best accomplished but not limited to using the designated area referenced as (112R) and (112L). The canopy frame strap members are also fabricated to include elastic straps the top portions (72R) and (72L) being connected to upper portion of the canopy strap members and the bottom portions (90R) and (90L) which are connected to the shoulder strap members (85R) and (85L) having elastic straps (86R) and (86L) horizontally configured across the bottom elastic strap members which guide these strap members (90R) and (90L) upward, the end tips of said elastic strap members having clasp type fastening devices female ends (71R) and (71L) also male ends (73R) and (73L) enable the canopy to be secured in its raised position by connecting the clasp ends. To return the canopy to its collapsed or relaxed position the clasp type fastening device is simply disconnected and the user can then slightly push the canopy frame on either side backwards. The canopy flange and frame members function unitarily in relevance to its movement between desired positions.
The frontal bag portion of the assembly also contains poncho strap members (111R) and (111L) wherein said strap members are also attached to the shoulder strap members (85R) and (85L) towards the upper portions of said shoulder straps. The poncho straps extend across the shoulders passing through slits in the appendage portion (99) of water resistant fabric which is connected by seams doubled over and symmetrically attached to the outer rear surface of the canopy frame member wherein said fabric extend downward and connected by the same method of doubled over seams to the top rear of bag portion (100) when viewing the assembly from the rear. The poncho strap members (111L) & (111R) after extending from the front and passing through the slits on the appended fabric having minimal slack which allows the backpack carrier to pull on the straps from the front and release the poncho from its storage compartment located on the rear of the backpack assembly.
In referring to
In referring to
In referring to
For descriptive purposes the canopy frame is depicted in its raised position. The upper canopy frame member (67) lower extremities along with the lower frame vertical limbs (69) and (68) top extremities are adjacently joined and superimposed by connection devices (78R) and (78L). Apertures enable the canopy frame member to be secured within the connection device with rivets (76R) and (76L). The flange member is received into apertures (93R) and (93L) where the ends are flared within the connection device to secure its position, yet allowing the flange member to rotate pivotally between positions. Apertures also allow the lower frame vertical limbs to be secured within the connection device with rivets (79R) and (79L). Notches (77R) and (77L) are structurally positioned adjacent to the flange member apertures to provide more stabilization to the flange member when the canopy is in its raised position.
A final member of the front lower portion of the assembly consists of a compact sized detachable cushioned pillow (98) which comprises of foam having the shape of a miniature sized pillow enveloped by a water-resistant fabric fastened with doubled over seams wherein another piece of fabric which can optionally be water resistant also covers the pillow fastened by use of a zipper attached by doubled over seams which allows the top fabric layer to be washed and recycled or replaced. The cushioned pillow (98) is structurally positioned on the bag portion (100) of the backpack to provide lumbar support when the backpack assembly is being worm. Said pillow is thereby attached by seams to the bag portions top rear side by a strap member (88) the end thereof having a male fastening device end (89A) which connects to female end (89A) attached to the top portion of the detachable pillow (98) by strap member (107A) and a lower strap member (105) affixed to the middle section of the horizontal limb (66) of the lower frame member. Said strap having a female end fastening device (89B) which connects to a male end (89B) attached to the bottom of the detachable pillow by strap member (107B). Said detachable pillow also having the ability to be detached and used for cushioned seating on hard surfaces and/or alternatively for resting or sleeping.
In reference to
A last member of the rear bag portion (100) comprises a poncho storage compartment (119) wherein the poncho member (122) which consists of a water resistant type material fabricated and constructed in the manner typically used to construct common basic ponchos and thus forms an integrated unit, the poncho member (122) being attached to inner bottom portion (115) of the poncho storage compartment of the backpack assembly. When the poncho (122) is not in use it is stowed within the storage compartment The upper portion (119) of the storage compartment connects to the lower portion having Velcro strips (113) (114) and (116) affix to the outer sides and outer bottom side of the lower storage compartment member (115) by use of seams and thus connects to upper storage upper portion of the storage compartment (119) having velcro positioned symmetrically on the inside of said upper portion of the storage compartment. The poncho (122) is released from its storage compartment by the carrier pulling forward and downward on the poncho strap members (111R) (111L) which extend as previously described from the front portion where attached to the shoulder straps (85R) (85L). The poncho straps pass through horizontal loop members right side (117A) (117B) & (117C) left side (116A) (116B) & (116C). The ends of the poncho strap members (111R) (111L) having male ends (118R) & (118L) which connects to female ends (121R) & (121L) that are attached and fastened to the top portion (119) of the poncho storage compartment by the bottom straps (120R) & (120L) portions.
The carrying case member being fabricated and constructed to provide protection and preservation of the backpack and canopy combination while being transported or stored comprises of a material that is optionally water resistant or none water resistant. The first layer (126) being the desired fabric material, the second layer (124) a foam type cushion and the third layer (128) are attached by use of doubled over seams that extend around the complete outer edges of the carrying case depicted in flat laid out manner. Seams are also sewn across the carrying case creating three sections of equal length. An appendage of the same fabrication is joined at the top seam thus forming the area to safely store the assembly. Zippers (127) are use to fasten the sides of the appendage to the top section of the carrying bag. Velcro strips (125) are used to fasten the carrying case in its folded configuration having loop shaped handles (132A) & (132B) comprised of a fabric material affixed by use of doubled over seams to the center on both the right and left sides of the carrying bag opening center sections when depicted from a top perspective view.
Claims
1. A backpack and canopy combination assembly being comprised of: a top canopy portion that has the ability to be used in a raised or collapsed position being quickly deployed without impeding or obstructing the functions of the backpack between desired positions, a front portion consisting of a set of shoulder straps and a waste strap which support the weight of the backpack when in use, the shoulder straps having a set of canopy strap members and a set of poncho strap members affixed thereto, a rear bag portion that has a detachable cushioned pillow structurally positioned to optionally provide lumbar support for the user, a poncho member that forms an integrated unit compactly stowed within a storage compartment of the rear bag portion and a carrying case used to transport, store, protect and preserve the entire assembly when not in use.
2. The assembly of claim 1, having a bag portion consisting of inward and outward storage compartments having a plurality of fastening devices, said portion also consisting of a U-shaped frame member with the right and left side tubular members extending upward slightly above the top surface of said bag, the horizontal frame member extending across the bottom of said bag portion where merging into the vertical frame members forming an integral unit.
3. The assembly of claim 2, having the U-shaped frame member secured within the back outer walls of said bag portion being enveloped by the fabric which makes up the bag portion with doubled over seams to stabilize the frame there within and enabling said frame member to provide structural rigidity to said bag portion.
4. The U-shaped frame member of claim 3 having telescopic means which enables the height of the canopy to be adjusted upward or downward being enabled by apertures in the right and left vertical frame members and notches where when pressed inward releases the frame to slide up or down to a desired height.
5. The backpack assembly of claim 1 having a plurality of storage compartments with various means of fastening devices, one of said storage compartments having a poncho attached within the storage compartment to form an integrated unit allowing the poncho to be stowed within, further said storage compartment being attached to the rear bag portion having a top and bottom portion with Velcro strips on the right, left and bottom sides with the top side secured by doubled over seams allowing the poncho storage compartment to open from the bottom.
6. The storage compartment of claim 5 having two rows of horizontal loops affixed to the top portion of the storage compartment affixed to the top portion with strap members passing through said loops, said strap members having clasp type fastening devices attached to the strap ends and connect to the clasp receivers which are affixed to the bag portion directly below said storage compartment allowing the poncho storage compartment to be locked and secured when not in use and/or quickly released when needed.
7. The strap members of claim 6 which extends upward across the shoulder passing through slits structurally positioned to guide said straps to the front of the users body. Further said straps are then affixed to the front shoulder straps and allows the user to release the poncho by pulling forward and downward on said straps.
8. The poncho member of claim 1 and claim 6 respectfully wherein said poncho when released and worn provides protection to the body of the user and the backpack assembly by enveloping the body of the user and the backpack assembly including contents.
9. The assembly of claim 1 whose detachable pillow is structurally constructed and attached to the bag portion positioned between the lower back of the user and the lower rear of the bag portion of the assembly.
10. The detachable pillow of claim 9 enabling detachment by way of the clasp type fastening devices affixed to the top of the pillow and connects to the clasp receivers affixed to the rear of said bag portion. The detachable pillow thus being able to be used as a cushioned seat on hard surfaces or optionally a head rest for quick nap. Further said pillow fabricated being enveloped by a fabric material which is removable for recycling or replacing.
11. The backpack assembly of claim 1 optionally having rear surfaces constructed of water resistant or non-water resistant material. Further having the option of being constructed in adult and/or child sizes with different arrangements of storage compartments and fastening devices remaining fairly lightweight while offering head to toe protection for the user in inclement weather and shade or protection from harmful sunrays during sunny weather.
12. The backpack assembly of claim 1 having a separate set of straps affixed to the upper frame tubular canopy member on the right and left sides and extends to the front shoulder straps where affixed thereto. Said straps enabling the canopy member to be quickly deployed by pulling forward and downward upon said straps and locking the canopy into place. Said canopy being locked and secured by clasp type locking mechanism on said canopy strap ends which connect to clasp receivers which are affixed to the upper part of shoulder straps.
13. The assembly of claim 1 whose carrying case is fabricated of a water resistant material having foam cushioning enveloped and secured within said fabric and the structural construction thereof enabling the carrying case to unfold to flat elevational position where it can then be used by the average consumer as an exercise mat, a sleep mat and/or other floor activities indoor and out door.
Type: Application
Filed: May 9, 2006
Publication Date: Nov 15, 2007
Applicant:
Inventors: Fabian Blakley (Odessa, FL), Beatrice Blakley (Odessa, FL)
Application Number: 11/430,142
International Classification: A45B 11/02 (20060101); A45C 15/00 (20060101);